Step Up Your STR ~ AirBnb Decor and More

Cara Shimizu ~ AirBnb Decorating Expert

Welcome to Step Up Your STR, the AirBnB decorating podcast--specialized interior design that earns Owners & Managers max revenue in a saturated market. We also discuss other high-level strategies to elevate your business from ordinary to outstanding. Hosted by Cara Shimizu, creator of the Rapid Revenue Decor System & owner of VR Decor, each episode is filled with expert insights to make your vacation rental really stand out, for more bookings & revenue. Welcome!

  1. 11/15/2025

    53 | 18 TOOLS I ALWAYS take to AirBnb INSTALL Days

    What do professional AriBnb designers ACTUALLY bring to an install? 🔧 Get the FREE List of Tools & Items Mentioned: https://www.vrdecor.co/installtools See the YouTube video of this episode here: https://youtu.be/oilWwCQWmfM Today I’m sharing the real list—the unexpected, ultra-practical, revenue-boosting tools I take to every single Airbnb or vacation rental installation. Yes, you’ll see Goo Gone, red duct tape, museum wax, cord-hiding kits… and the surprisingly powerful items most designers never think to pack.If you want your short-term rental to look finished, polished, and photo-ready (without wasting hours on install day), this episode is for you.In this video, you’ll learn:✔ The exact items I bring to every STR install✔ The weird-but-essential tools that save me HOURS✔ Cleaning products that make your rental look instantly more expensive✔ How I hide cords, fix scratches, polish spaces, and prevent guest damage✔ My personal system for making installs fast, smooth, and stress-free✔ Why these tools directly affect your listing photos and revenueWhether you’re an Airbnb host, a property manager, or a designer wanting smoother install days, these must-haves will completely change how you prep a space.✨ Want more revenue-driven STR design help?I specialize in revenue-driven interior design for short-term rentals — including Makeovers, E-Design, and design consultations.Contact me Here--I'm happy to answer your questions! https://www.vrdecor.co/contact🎙️ Listen to the full podcast series:Episode 1 — Install ToolsEpisode 2 — Pre-Install + Layout Techniques COMING SOONEpisode 3 — Room-by-Room Styling Tips COMING SOON

    20 min
  2. 10/02/2025

    51 | 🎙️ 50 Episodes In ~ 5 Golden Decor Rules Every STR Owner Should Know

    Click here to download the No-fail Paint Color Freebie: https://www.vrdecor.co/paint Click here to contact us for a complimentary consultation: https://VRDecor.co/contact Hi, I'm Cara Shimizu, AirBnb interior designer. ✨ Celebrating episode 50! ✨ In this milestone episode of Step Up Your STR, I’m sharing the 5 Golden Rules of STR Decorating—the timeless design strategies that will help you attract more bookings, impress your guests, and earn more revenue from your short-term rental. 🏡 Whether you manage one property or several, design is not just about looking good—it’s about creating spaces that sell themselves in photos and deliver unforgettable guest experiences. 👉 In this episode, you’ll discover: 1️⃣ Why vivid color makes your listing photos pop and sets you apart 2️⃣ Which wall paint creates flexibility and brightness for every space 3️⃣ The power of an “Instagrammable moment” (and how it markets your STR for free) 4️⃣ Which design choices save you money in the long run 5️⃣ How to achieve perfect decorative balance so your space feels intentional, not accidental Here are 10 of my FAV Gold Items:*Gold sconces: https://amzn.to/46uYiiI *Gold framed art: https://amzn.to/3KOcavQ *Gold bathroom hardware: https://amzn.to/42jYoXX *Gold doorknob: https://amzn.to/4gUaEEL *Gold footed bowl: https://amzn.to/4nEy1EU *Gold accented chandelier: https://amzn.to/4pRk4EQ *Gold-framed mirror: https://amzn.to/42kHgBt *Gold hooks: https://amzn.to/4gT43Kv *Gold: https://amzn.to/474DaA2 🌟 Plus: I share my bold prediction for the next 5 years of STR guest expectations. 🔥 If you’re an STR owner who wants: More bookings Higher nightly rates Better guest reviews …then this episode is for you. Don’t just decorate—design for revenue. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes on STR design, hosting strategies, and how to maximize your rental income through smart, intentional decorating. #AirBnbDecor #STRDesign #AirbnbTips #InteriorDesign #AirbnbHost #VacationRental #Superhost

    16 min
  3. 08/20/2025

    48 | 8 Final AirBnb Designers, Compared + Free Printable!

    Want the FREE DOWNLOAD that summarizes ALL 24 STR Designers? Just click here: https://VRDecor.co/designersHave questions about STR decorators? Book a FREE Clarity Call here-- https://VRDecor.co/contactAnd want some MORE FREE STR decorating resources? Grab a bunch here-- https://VRDecor.co/freeresources Are all Airbnb designers the same? Not even close. In this episode, we’re comparing 7 short-term rental (STR) interior designers—breaking down their styles, services, pricing, and strategy so you can figure out which one is the right fit for your rental property. Many “regular” interior designers make homes look pretty… but STR design has to be different in order to be successful. The best STR designers know how to: Maximize bookings & revenue 💰 Create scroll-stopping photos for Airbnb/VRBO 📸 Deliver guest-friendly layouts that boost reviews ⭐ Make your property stand out in a crowded market 🏡 ✨ What You’ll Learn in This Video: A breakdown of 7 specific STR designers and what they offer Which designers focus on E-Design vs. full-service installs Who offers nationwide services vs. local only Where pricing is transparent (and where it’s hidden) How to tell if a designer’s strategy is truly revenue-driven My insights on who each designer is best suited for 🎧 This is Part 2 of a 3-part series where I review a total of 21 STR designers. Don’t miss Part 1 (8 designers) and stay tuned for Part 3 (the final 6 + my full comparison article). 👉 Whether you’re an Airbnb host, VRBO owner, or STR property manager, this will help you hire the right designer for your goals.

    15 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to Step Up Your STR, the AirBnB decorating podcast--specialized interior design that earns Owners & Managers max revenue in a saturated market. We also discuss other high-level strategies to elevate your business from ordinary to outstanding. Hosted by Cara Shimizu, creator of the Rapid Revenue Decor System & owner of VR Decor, each episode is filled with expert insights to make your vacation rental really stand out, for more bookings & revenue. Welcome!